What are the 5 stages of project management?

The five phases of project management are:

  • Initiation: the project is defined and its feasibility assessed;
  • Planning: the project plan is developed including scope, timeline, and resources;
  • Execution: project activities are carried out and deliverables are created;
  • Monitoring and controlling: project performance is tracked and any necessary adjustments are made;
  • Closing: involves finalising all project activities, formally completing the project and disbanding the project team.

These 5 project management phases are described in detail in the PMBOK® Guide.

Last edited on: 16 Dec 2025


Project management FAQs
Can a project belong to more than one programme?
Do project managers write business cases?
How do you compare programme and project management?
How do you plan for a project or programme?
How hard is project management?
How is Agile PM different from traditional PM?
Is project management hard to learn?
Is Scrum Agile or waterfall?
What are KPIs in project management?
What are the 5 phases of the project life cycle?
What are the 5 stages of project management?
What are the 5 W's of project management?
What are the basics of project management?
What are the five phases of a project?
What are the phases of PM?
What are the three most important things in project management?
What do you mean by Agile project management?
What does the Gantt chart stand for?
What is a program vs project life cycle?
What is a project life cycle?
What is Agile PM vs waterfall PM?
What is Agile working in project management?
What is difference between project and program management?
What is project management in simple words?
What is the 80 20 rule for project managers?
What is the Agile methodology in project management?
What is the difference between Agile and waterfall?
What is the difference between enterprise change and project change?
What is the difference between PM and Agile?
What is the difference between programme & project management?
What is the difference between project and programme management?
What is the life cycle of a project?
What is the RACI matrix used for?
What is the triangle of project management?
What is WBS in project management?
What project management means?
See all Project management FAQs

Project Management related articles

Project management triangle
Project management triangle
image
Knowledge Train
The project management triangle is a key factor in the success of a project. Learn how to balance scope, time and cost for project goals and deliver exceptional results.
Project management apprenticeships
Project management apprenticeships
image
Knowledge Train
Seeking a project management apprenticeship? This guide details the leading five apprenticeship programmes and providers across the UK. Acquire essential skills and start your professional journey while earning money.
Project management interview techniques: Free ebook
Project management interview techniques: Free ebook
image
Simon Buehring
Prepare for your project management interview with our free ebook full of techniques and tips. Enhance your interview skills today.
PMO structure
PMO structure
image
Simon Buehring
Explore various PMO structures and their impact on project success. Read on to determine which PMO setup best suits your organization.
Is it worth doing a project management course?
Is it worth doing a project management course?
image
Simon Buehring
Is a project management course worth your time and investment? Discover the potential career benefits and make an informed decision by reading on.
Project management vs programme management
Project management vs programme management
image
Knowledge Train
Dive into the differences between project and programme management to determine which is best suited for your organisation and can improve your project delivery. Read on to find out more.
PRINCE2 vs the PMBOK® Guide: A comparison
PRINCE2 vs the PMBOK® Guide: A comparison
image
Simon Buehring
This article offers a detailed comparison between PRINCE2 and the PMBOK® Guide, helping you understand their unique methods and frameworks. Scroll down for insights.
An introduction to PRINCE2 Agile - webinar with Andrew Kell
An introduction to PRINCE2 Agile – webinar with Andrew Kell
image
Sevcan Yasa
Join Andrew Kell in a webinar exploring the integration of PRINCE2 and Agile methodologies. Ideal for professionals looking to adapt their project management approach.
Five Case Model for business cases
Five Case Model for business cases
image
Simon Buehring
Explore the Five Case Model, a comprehensive framework for solving business problems. Enhance your understanding of its structured approach by reading further.
10 essential project management roles
10 essential project management roles
image
Knowledge Train
Get to know the 10 key project management roles. Understand these roles and their responsibilities to create high-performing teams and deliver exceptional results.
PRINCE2 Agile book review
PRINCE2 Agile book review
image
Simon Buehring
Read our review of the official PRINCE2 Agile guidance manual and understand how it combines structured project management with Agile flexibility.
Project controls – your driver to project success
Project controls – your driver to project success
image
Knowledge Train
Project controls are an essential part of project management. Find out how you can use them to measure project progress, predict outcomes and steer projects on the right course.